Auburn Hills’ Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is partnering with California’s Archer, a company working to create the world’s first all-electric airline that moves people through cities.
The agreement will bring FCA’s low-cost supply chain, advanced composite material capabilities, and engineering and design experience to Archer.
The partnership is designed to help accelerate Archer’s timeline in offering cost-effective, sustainable air mobility. Morgan Stanley estimates the market will be $1.5 trillion by 2040.
Archer will manufacture high-volume, composite, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and intends to begin production in 2023. FCA has collaborated on cockpit design elements of Archer’s first aircraft, which is expected to be unveiled early this year.
“We’ve been hyper-focused on a customer-first approach to vehicle design and aircraft operations,” says Brett Adcock, co-founder and co-CEO of Archer. “Now we are working with a seasoned, industry-leading automotive partner to leverage cost benefits and experience that will allow Archer to produce thousands of aircraft reliably and affordably every single year.”
The completely electric aircraft will be capable of traveling distances of up to 60 miles at 150 mph. The companies are working to decrease the cost of production.
“Electrification within the transportation sector, whether on roads or in the air, is the future and, with any new and rapidly developing technology, scale is important,” says Doug Ostermann, vice president and head of global business development of FCA. “Our partnership with Archer has mutual benefits and will enable innovative, environmentally friendly transportation solutions to be brought to market at an accelerated pace.”
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